Daniel Knox

Daniel Knox (born September 22, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter and composer. Based in Chicago, Illinois,[1] Knox rose to prominence through his collaborations with David Lynch, Jarvis Cocker, the Handsome Family, Rufus Wainwright and Nina Nastasia.[2][3][4] His latest release is You Are My Friend: The Songs of Mister Rogers (2020), a collection of songs covering Fred Rogers' music from the television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.[5][6][7]

Daniel Knox
BornSeptember 22, 1980 (age 40)
Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
InstrumentsVocals, piano
Years active2007-present
LabelsCarrot Top, H.P. Johnson Presents
Associated actsJarvis Cocker, The Handsome Family, Nina Nastasia, David Lynch
Websitedanielknox.com

Biography

Daniel Knox was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois.[8] Knox had an early interest in cinema and enrolled in the film program at Columbia College Chicago,[8] only to drop out after a year, citing his disillusionment with the collaborative process.[1] He then began to teach himself piano[2][9] by playing in public spaces at night, mostly in hotel lobbies.[10] Knox did not sing until he was in his early twenties.[8]

Knox worked many odd jobs[8] and eventually became a projectionist at Chicago's Music Box Theatre.[2][7] It was through the Music Box that Knox was selected by director David Lynch, who was touring with his film Inland Empire, to perform a piece of music alongside Lynch’s screening in 2007.[1][9] Knox played an original piece on the theater’s organ[8] as an overture while Lynch read a poem.[1]

In 2007, Knox was invited by art director David Coulter to perform at the Barbican Center alongside musicians including Rufus Wainwright, the Handsome Family and Damon Albarn.[1] In 2012, Knox was an artist-in-residence at the Watermill Center in New York alongside photographer John Atwood.[11][3]

Knox’s 2018 album, Chasescene, includes a number of notable collaborations.[12] Jarvis Cocker sings the lead vocals on "Capitol,"[10] Nina Nastasia sings "The Poisoner"[12] and Brett Sparks of the Handsome Family sings back-up vocals on "David Charmichael."[3] Knox has cited Nastasia as one of his favorite living songwriters.[13]

Knox has written scores for films as well as theater.[11] The portrait on the cover of Knox's 2015 self-titled album was painted by artist Gregory Jacobsen.[14]

Musical style

Knox is noted for his baritone vocals[6][4] and has described his own voice as having a heavy vibrato.[8] His lyrics are described as dark and witty,[14] [5][4][11] and he has been compared to Randy Newman in his “refreshingly mean-spirited” songs.[15] Knox has also been compared to Harry Nilsson, Scott Walker and Tom Waits.[16][10] His musical style is eclectic, with descriptions ranging from jazz to cabaret to operatic pop,[17] and he is also noted for a cinematic style in his songs.[2][9] His musical delivery has been described as the "Midwestern sensibility of edginess meets kindness."[14] In reference to his songwriting, Knox has been labelled a "master storyteller."[10]

Influences

Knox has cited Judy Garland, Al Jolson and Maurice Chevalier as early musical influences.[8] For his 2019 mini-album, I Had a Wonderful Time, Knox absorbed himself in Star Trek audiobooks and the music of Madonna.[18]

Discography

Albums
  • Disaster (2007)
  • Evryman for Himself (2011)
  • Daniel Knox (2015)
  • Chasescene (2018)
  • I Had a Wonderful Time (2019)
  • Won't You Take Me with You (2021)

Soundtrack
  • Half-Heart: Songs from Twin Peaks (2020)
  • You Are My Friend: The Songs of Mister Rogers (2020)

Singles
  • "Last Christmas" (2018)
  • "Die Hard" / "Die Harder" (2019)
  • "Hollow" (2019)

References
  1. Carter, Spike. "Watch the Premiere of Daniel Knox's "Don't Touch Me"". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  2. "Albums of the week: Daniel Knox, Van Morrison and Jacob Collier". Evening Standard. 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  3. "Carrot Top Records | Daniel Knox". Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  4. "DAVID NAGLER & THE LEGISLATION". www.unionhallny.com. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  5. "'Won't You Be My Neighbor': Chicago's Daniel Knox Takes On The Music Of Mr. Rogers". WBEZ Chicago. 2020-07-22. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  6. Galil, Leor. "Daniel Knox captures Mister Rogers's care and generosity on his new tribute album". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  7. "Local Musician Finds a Muse in Mister Rogers". WTTW News. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  8. Rosenberg, Tal. "Daniel Knox gives our derelicts the beautiful music they deserve". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  9. "Daniel Knox - Chasescene - Album review". Loud And Quiet. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  10. "Daniel Knox: Chasescene review – a record for dark nights". the Guardian. 2018-12-09. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  11. "Daniel Knox". www.kennedy-center.org. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  12. Collo-Julin, Salem. "Daniel Knox writes torch songs to burn down the house on Chasescene". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  13. "Daniel Knox Shares Two New Songs". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  14. "Daniel Knox Delivers Gritty-Beautiful Music On His New Album". The Chicagoist. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  15. "Happy Ending Music and Reading Series: Daniel Knox | in New York". Time Out New York. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
  16. "Nina Nastasia + Daniel Knox | Music in New York". Time Out New York. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
  17. "WPGM Recommends: Daniel Knox - Daniel Knox (Album Review)". WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC. 2015-03-14. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
  18. Martin, Piers (January 1, 2020). "Daniel Knox: Night strolls and Star Trek with the singer/projectionist". Uncut.
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